CHITRAL, Oct 25: Religious leaders on Friday vowed to extend every help to the government in promoting modern education in the district.

They were speaking at function held here on Friday to award scholarships to the position holders of matriculation examinations.

Qari Faizullah, president of Karachi-based seminary, Medressah Imam Muhammad, distributed the scholarships to the top six position holders. Mr Faizullah has been giving scholarships to students for last ten years.

This year Kalash students were also awarded scholarships to enable them to continue further education.

The speakers included among others Mehtar-i-Chitral chief Fatehul Mulk Ali, DC Chitral Mohammad Shoaib Jadoon, khateeb of Shahi Masjid Maulana Khaleequz Zaman, and JUI district amir Maulana Abdur Rahman.

The speakers said that Qari Faizullah had also contributed substantially to the development of English medium schools and introduction of information technology in the district.

“A proper balance between the modern and religious education will bring about harmony in the society,” said the speakers. They said that cheating in examinations must end to improve quality of education.

Azharuddin and Mujeebur Rahman of Broze Public School got first and second positions, while the third prize was shared by Mujeebur Rahman and Mohammad Irfan of Drosh Public School, respectively.

Similarly, in the public sector schools, prizes were grabbed by Shafiq Ahmed of GHS Mastuj, Musarrat Hussain of GGHS Chitral and Zuhaib Faruqi of GHS Muzhgol, respectively. Shields were also given to the principals of the schools whose students got top positions in appreciation of their efficiency.

Meanwhile, participants of the function burst into laughter when name of a Kalash student, Missile Shah, from Bumburate valley was called to receive his scholarship from the chief guest.

A Kalash man present in the function told Dawn that the people of his community always sought innovative names for their children. —Correspondent